Prospects Archive

Nationals right-hander Joe Ross continued to show that he has a bright future. During Washington's 3-2 loss Saturday, Ross gave the Mets a battle, pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six.

Kyle Schwarber passed more tests Saturday night in his crash course on how to play in the big leagues. The rookie hit his fourth big league home run in the Cubs' 4-2 victory over the Brewers, but he also battled starter Matt Garza in an 11-pitch at-bat, and coaxed relievers Jason Motte and newcomer Tommy Hunter in a stressful ninth.

Left-hander Daniel Norris -- who was acquired from Toronto in the David Price trade -- is not looking at his Tigers debut as an audition for next year, but rather as a chance to make a difference for a club still in postseason contention.

With little free space on their revamped roster, the Mets optioned No. 2 prospect Michael Conforto back to the Minor Leagues on Saturday to make room for trade acquisition Yoenis Cespedes. Conforto will report to Triple-A Las Vegas, a level ahead of his prior assignment at Double-A Binghamton.

Nola has an effective repertoire that includes a two-seam fastball that sits between 92 and 94 mph, an infrequent four-seam fastball, a very good changeup and a curveball that can be very effective. He mixes and matches well between those pitches.